Your Church Needs Better Photos
When someone lands on your church’s website, what’s the first thing they see?
Often, it’s a photo of the sanctuary, stained glass, the building’s exterior, or your church sign out front.
None of these are bad photos. But if that’s all a visitor sees, it could be an issue.
Consider this:
If we only show the building, we’re quietly saying that the building is the church.
Your building is important. It holds memories, meaning, and ministry, but it’s not the main reason someone will visit or return to your church.
The church, God’s ekklesia, is the people. That’s why photos of people in your space are important.
conversations in the foyer
a handshake at the door
children learning and laughing
people praying, listening, singing
These moments are important, and they’re what people look for when deciding whether to visit.
Photos like these show more than just what your church looks like.
They show what it feels like to be there.
This matters more than we often realize. The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is true. The photos you share on your website or social media show what paragraphs of text can’t. They tell the story of what a newcomer can expect if they decide to visit in person.
So, ask yourself honestly:
What are our photos communicating about our church?
Need to update your photos?
Here are five simple steps you can take to refresh your digital front porch. This isn’t a full strategy—just a starting point for anyone who needs a bit of direction and a place to begin.
1. Start with What You Have
Before taking any new photos, take stock of what you already have.
Are your photos:
Recent?
Still accurate?
Reflective of your church as it is today?
If most of your images are several years old, only show the building, or are stock photos (not your actual people) then it’s time for a refresh!
2. Show Your Congregation as it is Today
For every photo of your space, aim to include a photo of people within it. Think about the groups of people that make up your congregation and aim to get photos of those groups:
Greeters
Families
Couples
Children (with proper photo permission… actually, that goes for everyone)
The Minister(s) and Other Staff
Choir or Band Member
Sunday School Volunteers
You don’t have to have a photo of every person in your church, and you shouldn’t manufacture diversity that doesn’t exist, but try to showcase a variety of faces and groups that a new person might reasonably interact with on a given Sunday morning.
3. Look for Everyday Moments
Don’t stage anything, and don’t feel like you need to wait for a special event. The best photos capture candid, ordinary moments during a typical Sunday morning or mid-week ministry activity. Here are some ideas:
a conversation during coffee hour
the minister mid-sermon or knelt down during children’s time
an usher walking someone to a pew
a greeter opening the door
someone holding a hymnal during worship
a child showing off their artwork
a choir member holding up a
a quiet moment of reflection
These are the moments that help someone picture themselves in your community.
4. Use the Tools You Already Have
A smartphone is more than capable of capturing great, usable photos.
Focus on:
Good lighting (near windows or well-lit spaces)
Clear, steady shots
Want to learn more about using your phone to get great shots?
Watch this Masterclass from our friend Brady Shearer (plus download the bonus Church Smartphone Photography Superguide):